Zapopan: A veteran in the field of neuropsychiatry, Han Doug-hyun, serving as the South Korean team's psychologist at the FIFA World Cup, has expressed confidence in the mental preparedness of the team. Han, who is a professor in the department of neuropsychiatry at Chung-Ang University Hospital, remarked on the team's exceptional preparation and the hard work being done behind the scenes at South Korea's training site, Chivas Verde Valle, in Zapopan, western Mexico.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Han praised the team's mental state following their 2-1 victory over Czechia, which marked the beginning of their Group A play. He emphasized the comprehensive tactical and mental preparation that contributed to the team's success. Han described the players' current mental state as 'stable,' highlighting their ability to remain grounded after their initial win as they prepare for their upcoming match against Mexico.

Han credited head coach Hong Myung-bo for establishing a strong mental foundation for the players, drawing from Hong's own experiences in previous World Cups and the Olympics. This is the first time a dedicated team psychologist has been brought to the World Cup, a decision made by Hong to emphasize mental health as a key component of performance.

Song Jun-seob, the team's chief physician, supported this approach, noting the positive impact Dr. Han's presence has had on the players' overall health. Han detailed his daily routine, which includes early morning meetings with the coaching staff and individual sessions with players, focusing on maintaining their mental resilience.

Particularly notable was Han's observation of defender Lee Gi-hyuk, who, despite being a surprise selection for the squad and participating in his first World Cup, displayed remarkable composure. Han plans to continue his approach of encouraging players to focus on consistency rather than pressure as they face Mexico in their next match.